The 2014 Cherry Blossom Blooming Forecast is now available on the JNTO Homepage. See the latest information on blooming dates for all of Japan. The information comes directly from the Japan Weather Association and is updated regularly throughout the season. See the Forecast Here!

"Harukas" is an old Japanese expression meaning "to brighten, to clear up." As its namesake suggests, ABENO HARUKAS embodies the exhalation of clear, sweeping views of Osaka from its top floor 300 meters in the air. The complex's wide array of facilities and amenities answer every need, promising every visitor a relaxing time in a bright, comfortable environment. ABENO HARUKAS is the future of multifunctional urban space in the sky. Opens March 7, 2014. Please see the official website for facility information.

Shisui Premium Outlets®, located approximately 10 minutes by car from Narita International Airport and accessible by airport shuttle, welcomes a large number of foreign visitors to Japan. To meet the needs of its international customers and allow guests to enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience, the Outlets are taking up a variety of service improvements. Additionally, the "Silence Room" found at Gotemba and Rinku Premium Outlets® (opened in August 2013 at Gotemba and October 2013 at Rinku) will be renamed the "Prayer Room" beginning Tuesday 1 April, 2014. See the Press Release (PDF) for more information.

JR EAST is selling the N'EX TOKYO Direct Ticket (One-way), a discount ticket for foreign visitors to Japan.
This one-way discount ticket can be used for Ordinary Car reserved seats of the Narita Express (N'EX) Limited Express train. It takes roughly one hour to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station on the Narita Express (N'EX). Enjoy a pleasant trip in a comfortable train with no need to transfer! See the press release (PDF) for more information.

There is no Monthly Feature this newsletter but please check out all of the great articles in the JNTO Monthly Web Magazine! This month's features are Mt. Yoshino Cherry Blossoms, Day Trips from Tokyo and Washoku!

New Otani Hotels /
Hotel New Otani Tokyo
3 Nights Special (required 3 consecutive nights)
From March 1, 2014 to May 31, 2014. The rate is subject to 10% service charge, 5% tax, and accommodation tax. Free Wi-fi.
Executive House ZEN Standard Room (388 sqft) JPY 37,000/per room, per night. Executive House ZEN Deluxe Room (484 sqft) JPY 47,000/per room, per night. Let's join NOC and get benefits. Free to apply and no annual fee.
Able to earn NOC points and Mileage points. Enjoy your stay and double points.
Park Hotel Group /
Grand Park Otaru Grand Park Otaru Turns Five! As we turn five this year, enjoy an array of special privileges when you book your stay with us between march and October 2014. *Fabulous Five Package - Mountain view Superior Room: From JPY 11,280 (based on double occupancy). Includes: Choice of breakfast buffet or lunch buffet for two, Complimentary late checkout (1pm), UP to 20% food and beverage discount, 50% parking discount, Upgrade to Ocean View Room for just JPY 500(per person). Valid from 1 March to 31 October 2014 and for first five bookings daily. Terms and Conditions apply. For enquiries or more information please call 81-134-21-3111 or email.
Tokyu Hotels /
The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyo
"Feel the Breeze of Yokohama" Spring Campaign. Valid Period: April 1st through June 30th, 2014. Executive Twin (43m², with Balcony) : 26, 789 JPY per room per night including breakfast for two, service charge and 8% sales tax. *This room is called "Cherry Blossom Street" so guests may watch the cherry blossom trees from the room in the early April. The above rate is a 10% commissionable rate. This promotion also comes with discount tickets for nearby tourist spots (Sankeien Garden & Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.) For booking, please contact Tokyu Hotels Reservation Center via Email or call us at 1-800-428-6598/212-490-0456.

Japan Airlinesoneworld Yokoso/Visit Japan Fareservice extended for one more year! Japan Airlines Group is proud to offer a discount domestic air fare for overseas visitors to Japan, the oneworld Yokoso/Visit Japan Fare. The fare can be used to over 30 cities in Japan served by JAL (except flights operated by FDA and Jetstar Japan) and Japan Transocean Air (JTA) based in Naha Okinawa.Only available to residents of the country of sale outside Japan, when booked and purchased prior to departure at country of origin. This fare must be booked in conjunction with return travel on a single ticket to Japan on oneworld member airlines.

Japan Week 2014 New York
Japan Week promotes Japanese culture, cuisine, and tourism, announces that its 2014 program will spotlight unique features of Japanese culture from the last 100 years to the present.
Delectable regional foods, technology exhibits, traditional arts and performances will aim to inspire greater understanding of Japan and travel to the country. The multi-day festival will take place at Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall from March 6 - 8, 2014. This event is a cooperative effort between the Japan Tourism Agency, Japan National Tourism Organization, diverse businesses, local Japanese governments, and supported by the Consulate General of Japan in New York.

Will your customers be able to
find you when they click on that link from
our website? If you have registered as a Japan Travel
Specialist, the answer is yes. Just watch a few
educational videos and take three short quizzes to become part of
our JTS Program. See the website for
details.
You can also contact our office for travel brochures and language
handbooks. Please e-mail info@jnto-lax.org for more
information.

JNTO is here to
help! We can provide you with updated information,
advice, brochures, and more to make yours a trip to remember. If
you have any questions, feel free to contact our office between
9AM and 5PM Pacific Standard Time. We look forward to assisting
you!

THE FINE PRINT/LEGAL STUFF
Information is provided in this Japan Travel Update as a courtesy
to readers of this newsletter. Though JNTO endeavors to ensure
the information is accurate, users of the information are to act
on such using their own judgment and at their own risk. Neither
JNTO nor any holder of a copyright to the information shall be
held responsible in any way whatsoever for any loss or
misunderstanding, either direct or indirect, that is incurred as
a result of utilizing the information.
Publisher: Japan National Tourism Organization, L.A. Office
340 E. 2nd Street, Suite 302, Los Angeles, CA 90012
email: info@jnto-lax.org
website: www.jnto.go.jp or
www.japantravelinfo.com